mortality
22 March 2007
A R37 million project to reduce maternal infant mortality has been launched
in the Eastern Cape, the province's Department of Health said on Wednesday.
Spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said the Saving Mothers Saving Babies Project would
be implemented in 30 district hospitals and community health centres in the
Eastern Cape. "The high levels of maternal deaths and infant mortality remain a
concern in the province. This intervention will ensure that new mothers and
their babies enjoy a safe, comfortable and friendly environment."
Kupelo said post-partum haemorrhage after birth or delivery bleeding,
hypertension, non-pregnancy related infections and pregnancy related infections
like illegal abortions had been identified as major causes of maternal death.
The initiative would also address contributing factors such illegal abortions
and non-clinic visits by pregnant women especially in rural areas. The
maternity wards in all the hospitals and community health centres would be also
be refurbished. Kupelo said the department was currently training more than 400
nurses on midwifery and 50 for advanced midwifery.
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
22 March 2007
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government, (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
